We Never Sleep Newsletter of the Anarchist Prisoners' Legal Aid Network December 2001/ January 2002 - Vol. 2 No. 8

Anarchist Prisoners' Legal Aid Network 818 SW 3rd Ave PMB #354 / Portland, OR / 97204 / USA [email protected] "We Never Sleep was the name of a 'zine put out by former prisoner Paul-X, who worked to bring news from prison to the community before taking his own life when the pressures outside prison became unbearable. The name reflects our nature and resolve as anarchists." APLAN Outside Support News list, and sending out questionnaires with our next We hope you find this issue to be worth newsletter. the wait! It has been a busy few months for the Finally, we are still inviting prisoners to outside support group - the changed political write about resistance to prisons, anti-repression climate has placed new demands on us, while we struggles, and anarchist political prisoners and continue to work ahead on day-to-day network prisoners of war, for inclusion in materials to be activities and to build a steadier base for the distributed at the "Tear Down the Walls" prisoner network. conference for US political prisoners, being held at the end of March... So send 'em on! The outside support group is very much interested in building up our prisoner legal A personal note from Dave Negation: contacts at this time. A "Legal Roundtable" is From this issue on, I plan to step aside as the not included in this issue of the newsletter, as the primary editor of this newsletter, allowing a circumstances of a number of contacts have committee to take the task on. It seems important made its inclusion infeasible. We would still love that the newsletter becomes more of a collective to work with anyone who has some legal responsibility, and that skills are shared and experience to share, and still want to hear from developed within the outside support group. I those who have specific legal questions they will still help as I can with the newsletter, but would like answered. With a bit of luck and plan to focus on other activities within APLAN plenty of hard slog, we'll get the "Roundtable" over the coming months, such as catching up on idea going again soon! Contact us if you think mail and helping to develop resources for you can help the work along. network members. To all who have kept me Last issue, we presented some difficult inspired and active as I've put together these questions before the group: pages-thank you! 1. What is the position of APLAN to prisoners charged with rape, sexual assault and other Lorenzo Kom'boa Ervin Speaks such crimes? in Portland 2. Does this apply equally to those who claim On October 23, members of APLAN innocence or rehabilitation? outside support brought former anarchist 3. What should the network do to prevent entry political prisoner Lorenzo Kom'boa Ervin to of those who act or have acted contrary to speak in Portland. Lorenzo, who spent 15 years network beliefs and goals? Do we need to incarcerated, spoke on the importance of a send them a survey? What about requesting widespread international prisoner support face-sheets, references from other prisoners movement, the current political climate or anarchist groups, or other documentation? following September 11, and the necessity of a We're grateful for the responses we mass community organizing movement. received. We are delaying putting forward any Lorenzo shared his personal stories as sort of provisional statement on this issue for one well as his political analysis and opinion. His more issue, so that others may make their voices talk was inspiring, interesting, and of great heard. We want to work towards some sort of impact. Following the talk a lively questions and understanding on this issue within the network, answers session took place. The event was very but realize that it's more important to do things well attended and raised a good deal of money, properly than to rush. half of which went to our comrades Matt and Next issue, we hope to look back at Petey in Santa Cruz. APLAN's performance in 2001 - what we did Lorenzo on September 11': well and what we could do better. APLAN "...Well, our time of mourning has to outside support will try to bring forward some be tempered with the cold understand that we honest evaluations of our activity, and ideas have to look out for our interest, not the about where to go from here. We hope some Pentagon's or Wall Street's. We regret the network members will share their thoughts on thousands of deaths of people who died in the this, too. We will also be updating our mailing process at the World Trade Center, but we know it is Washington's fault this happened... The real terrorists are in the Pentagon, the executive moved again to Snake River Correctional boardrooms on Wall Street, and in the White Institution in Ontario. Free and Critter's House, where they have always been" supporters say, "Is this game of "musical jails" being played to keep them from receiving consistent mail and visits, to confuse their supporters, to keep them from accomplishing their minimal goals, to stop them from making friends, or to test them out with different jail byi r i r i i rr~^~n informants?" Craig Marshall #13797662 / SRCI / 777 Stanton Blvd. / Ontario, OR 97914 (USA) Jeffrey Luers #13797671 / OSP / 2605 State St. /Salem, OR 97310 (USA) Also, Free requests that letters be sent to Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber about his case and his outrageous sentence of 22 years. Write to: John Kitzhaber, MD / Governor of the State of Oregon / State Capitol Building / 900 Court Free Matt, Free Petey Street NE / Salem, OR 97301-4047 (USA) Animal liberation activists Matt Whyte and Peter Schnell were arrested last Ruckus Gets Three Years January in Santa Cruz, CA for the alleged Robert Middaugh, AKA "Ruckus", has possession of materials that could be made been sentenced to three years in a California into "destructive devices". Both were State Penitentiary, charged with assaulting a released last February on bail and federal police officer during the 2001 May Day police charges were filed against them. As of riot in Long Beach, California. During a October 15 the two pled guilty to possessing "Reclaim the Streets"-like action, approximately 200 protesters - many in a large anarchist black incendiary devices (consisting of empty bloc - were attacked by police. Over 100 people gallon jugs, candles, gasoline and matches). were arrested. They confessed their intention to use the On Ruckus's day in court, the devices to disable trucks in a dairy prosecutor threw everything he could at Ruckus, distributor's parking lot. Both took plea charging him with assault on a police officer, bargains and are looking at a minimum of refusal to comply with a police officer, 12-14 months for Matt and 33 for Petey. conspiracy to commit a crime, and riot. These They face a maximum of 10 years charges totaled in 14 years and ten months. and a $250,00 fine. Matt and Petey will be Ruckus was already on probation from an earlier sentenced on January 28, 2002. Funds are incident where he was charged with assault on a police officer and was given a strike under the needed as well as wide spread support. For California "Three Strikes" Law. With the most more info please contact recent charges, Ruckus was looking at 16-17 santacruztwo @ hotmail .com. Remember these years in prison, plus another strike against him. are our brothers, our comrades, our friends. Judge Richard Romero guaranteed Ruckus that Their freedom depends on our ability to act. he would be in prison for 3-4 years whether or If not now, when? If not you, who? not he was convicted for the May Day event Santa Cruz 2 Defense Fund / PO Box 917 / because of his parole violation. Santa Cruz, CA 95061 (USA) With no other option, Ruckus took a plea. The courts dropped most of charges except the parole violation and the assault charge on the Free and Critter Updates police officer. He was given three years each for Jeffrey "Free" Luers was moved on both charges and these sentences were to run September 18 to Oregon State Penitentiary in concurrently. In addition, he was given his Salem from Two Rivers Correctional Institution. second strike. When released, if he is convicted His co-defendant Craig "Critter" Marshal was of another strike, he is facing 25 years to life. moved to Pendleton and then a few weeks later Ruckus is presently in the Los Angeles From www.mumia2000.org website (edited): County Jail and is awaiting transfer. Support this Struggle Overturns Death comrade - he has been an active member of the LA community for many years. Sentence Rob Middaugh #6859467 / PO Box 86164 / Los Next Step: Free Mumia! Angeles, CA 90086-0164 (USA) By Monica Moorehead and Lany Holmes Most of those arrested from May Day U.S. Federal District Judge William faced less serious charges than Ruckus and Yohn, in a 272-page ruling issued on Dec. 18, "pleaded out" with one year of probation. Six threw out the death sentence for Mumia Abu- others still await trial. Many individuals working Jamal that resulted from his 1982 trial. But Yohn on this case, including the lawyers themselves, upheld Abu-Jamal's conviction on charges that have reported police harassment as they worked he shot Philadelphia police officer Daniel to help those facing charges. Faulkner. For additional information contact: There can be no question that lifting the Los Angeles Anarchist Black Cross 1982 death sentence - a concession wrested by PO Box 3671 /Anaheim, CA 92803-3671 (USA) the worldwide movement in support of Abu- [email protected] or Jamal - is a painful, bitter pill for the cops and B lackcross @ disinfo.net judges in the court system in Philadelphia to swallow. They want to kill Abu-Jamal. And had it not been for the movement, he would be dead. The continued frame-up of Abu-Jamal has generated massive rallies, marches and direct actions - from San Francisco to Paris. For years demonstrations in the U.S. and around the world have demanded freedom for this gifted Black journalist who has never stopped being the "voice of the voiceless." And twice, mass protests stopped the clock at the 11th hour when Abu-Jamal was to have been executed. Yohn's ruling comes on the heels of a Dec. 8 police attack on a peaceful march of more than 1,000 in Philadelphia calling for justice in Abu-Jamal's case. Several activists were injured in the cop riot and six face multiple felony charges. Across the U.S. and all over the world Abu-Jamal is renowned as a political prisoner, framed up on a murder charge because of his political beliefs. In fact, a man named Arnold Beverly has confessed on videotape that he - not Abu-Jamal - shot Faulkner. Yet Beverly's testimony has not been heard in a court and Abu- Against Patriarchy Conference Jamal remains on death row. Judge Yohn was assigned to Abu- Radicals in Eugene, Oregon will host Jamal's case in October 1999. He was charged the second "Against Patriarchy" conference from with determining whether Abu-Jamal should January 25th - 27th 2001. Members of the have an evidentiary hearing. Such a hearing APLAN outside support collective will attend would have allowed suppressed evidence to this gathering and hope to put forward prisoner finally be heard and entered into court record perspectives. We are interested in exploring that could prove Abu-Jamal's innocence. This issues of prison as a patriarchal (male- would have included the Beverly confession and dominated) institution, women in prison, prison the testimony of witnesses who describe being rape and related topics. Written contributions coerced by police to lie for the prosecution in the from prisoners will be compiled and distributed initial trial. at the event. If you wish to get involved around But Yohn's ruling denies Abu-Jamal the this event, please promptly send your texts to us. right to any evidentiary hearing. And the judge's decision ignores the fact that police and International Anarchist Black prosecutorial misconduct at the 1982 trial was so blatant that it obliterated the possibility of any Cross News kind of fair trial for Abu-Jamal. It doesn't Houston overturn the unjust first-degree murder On October 2nd, the Houston chapter of conviction. And it doesn't open the door for the Anarchist Black Cross Federation left the long-suppressed evidence to be heard. Federation and established itself as an Yohn threw out the death sentence independent organization. In its communique on based on his findings that instructions to the this departure, the Houston group stated its 1982 jury were flawed. The judge concluded that intention to remain a collective and to continue information was withheld from the jury that on its tradition of community activism and could have led to a different sentence. education work. The new Houston organizing According to a Dec. 18 Associated Press report, group was involved in the production of a "New Yohn ordered the state of Pennsylvania to Draft Proposal for an Anarchist Black Cross conduct a re-sentencing hearing within 180 days. Network", reprinted in this newsletter. The A re-sentencing hearing could result in life Houston group may be contacted at: imprisonment for Abu-Jamal. Or it could impose PO Box 667233 / Houston, TX 77266-7233 the death penalty again. (USA) An appeal by either the prosecution or Ph: (713) 595-2103, ext. 7585 the defense, however, could lead to an Email: may 19x @yahoo.com [Ernesto Aguilar] overturning of Yohn's decision. Brighton Abu-Jamal's lawyers plan to seek a new trial for Brighton ABC now has a new postal address. Abu-Jamal. They are appealing Judge Yohn's Letters may now be sent to: ruling to a federal appeals court (Associated Brighton ABC / PO Box 74 / Brighton / BN1 Press, Dec. 19). Philadelphia District Attorney 4ZQ / UK Lynn Abraham said her office would appeal the They are also keeping their old address as a lifting of the death sentence. backup, which can be used by prisoners who The dangerous part of Judge Yohn's can't write to PO boxes: decision is that it no doubt will be used in an Brighton ABC / 6 Tilbury Place / Brighton / attempt to close the book on Abu-Jamal's case. It BN2 2GY/ UK aims to cover up the sham trial in 1982 and the Brighton ABC have also moved their website. It conspiracy to suppress evidence that could have is now located at www.brightonabc.org.uk proved his innocence, and to keep Abu-Jamal in Their email remains the same: jail for the rest of his life. brightonabc @email.com The unyielding movement to save Abu- Melbourne Jamal's life has exerted pressure on the legal and Anarchist Black Cross - Melbourne political institutions of racist repression that have also has a new postal address: been trying to legally lynch Abu-Jamal because ABC Melbourne / PO Box 300 / East of his revolutionary, anti-imperialist and anti- Brunswick / Victoria 3057 / Australia capitalist beliefs. For more information, contact: New International Campaign to Internationa] Concerned Family & Friends of Free AH Khalid Abdullah Mumia Abu-Jamal / PO Box 19709 / A new international coalition has been Philadelphia, PA 19143 (USA) formed for the purpose of working to support Tel: 215/476-8812 Fax: 215/476-7551 and free political prisoner, Ali Khalid Abdullah. icffmaj @aol.com www.mumia.org Ali Khalid Abdullah is a New Afrikan anarchist Donations for those facing charges after who has been in prison in Michigan for 12 years the December 8th police riot in Philly may be on charges relating to his attempts to shut down sent to: a major drug dealer. While in captivity he Philadelphia Direct Action Group / PO Box founded the Political Prisoners of War Coalition, 40683 / Philadelphia, PA 19.107 (USA) and has been extremely active in struggles to aid Make checks payable to "PADG" and and educate other prisoners and oppressed specify "December 8th Legal Fund" in the memo people in general. He has also written line. extensively on various subjects relating to —hist9ry5-revolutionary-theoFy,-and social critique, and has remained a steadfast opponent of stop him. After more than ten times of being patriarchy, heterosexism, racism, environmental turned down for parole he has finally been destruction, and capitalism despite repression approved for release on 1 / 2002. and marginalization. Chris will be facing huge difficulty Since imprisoned, Ali has been denied when he is released, will need all of our support for parole 5 times for reasons that have never and solidarity. While he has many friends and been explained or justified by the Michigan family it will take large amounts of money to parole board. He is up for parole again in secure an attorney to represent him while on February 2002 and is in some serious need of parole. He feels that if he does not have an (and deserves) solidarity, mutual aid, and loving attorney to stand by him, he will certainly be sent support. back to prison for any minor violation. One of For more information on Ali, his the conditions that he has had to comply with for writings, and what you can do to help him, release is 'super intensive parole' this means that please contact the following address. Funding is he will be placed on a monitor and will have to especially needed. report in person twice a week, this type of parole International Campaign to Free Ali Khalid is normally reserved for sex offenders and Abdullah c/o Pushing Forward / 2716 SE 21st murderers. Ave. / Portland, OR 97202 (USA) Chris asks that folks work to raise funds freeali @disinfo.net for his release over the next few months. The A web page is in progress: movement needs to support this dedicated www.angelfire.com/dc/freeali/ anarchist political prisoner. This is the crucial To contact Ali himself: time. Ali Khalid Abdullah #148130 / Thumb If you can offer any help, please contact Correctional Facility / 3225 John Conley Drive / Rebecca Plummer / PO Box 101 / Austin, TX Lapeer, MI 48446 (USA) 78767 (USA)

From Antiprison (edited): From ELP North America: Chris Plummer Granted Parole Long Island Activist Charged - Out in January with "Terrorism" Relating to After more than 8 years of Earth Liberation Front Actions imprisonment, Christopher Lee Plummer has Activist Connor Cash, who was charged been granted parole in Texas. Chris was placed with ELF actions several months ago, was in prison on a 15 years sentence for an anti- officially charged with "providing material fascist action in Houston, Texas. support to terrorists" on September 27th. While imprisoned he faced severe Connor was previously charged with repression by both the state and nazi gangs in the arson and vandalism for a series of actions prisons. Several attempts on his life were made, claimed by the ELF last year in Long Island. resulting in permanent injures that will effect Cash is accused of aiding ELF activists him forever. Much of his time in prison was when he drove them to unspecified Suffolk spent in solitary confinement for his efforts to County sites where acts of vandalism and arson organize prisoners and fellow anarchists. During were committed, and of buying the gasoline used his 4 years stay in solitary the prisoncrats went to set fire to five homes under construction in so far as to accuse him of attempting to smuggle Mount Sinai in December. a pistol into the prison. The state went all out to He already could be sentenced to up to Email: [email protected] [and indicate for 40 years in prison if convicted of the arson Attorney General in subject] charges. The additional count could add another Kathleen Hawk Sawyer / Director, Federal 10 years in prison. Bureau of Prisons / 320 First Street, NW / Such a lengthy sentence would be Washington, D.C. 20534 unlikely under federal sentencing guidelines, Also, Sundiata would welcome contact: however. Sundiata Acoli (s/n squire 39794-066) / USP The government claims it is Allenwood / PO Box 3000 / White Deer, PA coincidental that an anti-terrorism statute was 17887 (USA) used against Cash so soon after the attacks on the For more information: World Trade Center and Pentagon. This seems to www.afrikan.net/sundiata be the first example of the government using the WTC attacks to further increase repression on the Earth liberation movement. For more information see: http://www.longislandrevolt.org Or contact: Connor Cash Support Committee c/o Long Island Animal Defense League (ADL) / PO Box 1117 / Huntington, NY 11743 (USA) (631)340-4708 freeconnorcash @ yahoo .com [email protected] Sundiata Acoli in Isolation Since September 11th Following the attacks of September 11th, many political prisoners in the US federal prison system were thrown into isolation, and denied access to their lawyers. Those who were held incommunicado for near to (or over) two weeks include anti-imperialist Marilyn Buck, United Freedom Front prisoners Ray Levasseur and Richard Williams, and several Puerto Rican independentistas. Sundiata Acoli, a Black USA PATRIOT Act Signed into liberation political prisoner, has still not been Law released from isolation! It was .October 24th Paving the way for more government when he was finally able to speak to his lawyer, intrusion and terror, Bush jr. signed HR 3162, after almost a month and a half of being denied the USA PATRIOT Act, into law on October access to her. The Bureau of Prisons is 26th. The "Uniting and Strengthening America attempting to terrorize and repress its political by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to prisoners, and has singled out Sundiata for even Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act" (this act's worse than the others - one of whom describes full title) consolidates gains previously made by being held incommunicado as a "nightmarish the federal government against the populace, experience". It is a clear priority to do what it grants the state more power in several areas, and takes to prevent the BoP from refusing basic narrows the already limited field of rights again, and to organize to get Sundiata into constitutionally-protected civil liberties. general population. Sundiata has requested that Immigrants in particular will be negatively letters be sent on his behalf to Attorney General affected by the passage of this act. Some John Ashcroft and to FederaJ Bureau of Prisons noteworthy features of the USA PATRIOT Act Director Kathleen Hawk Sawyer: are below: Attorney General John Ashcroft / US • "Terrorism" Redefined: The USA Department of Justice / 950 Pennsylvania PATRIOT Act has created a new crime of Avenue, NW / Washington, DC "domestic terrorism" - activity in the US involving acts dangerous to human life that violate either US law or state law. These federal magistrate for an order requesting acts must appear to be intended: books, records, documents or other items to 1. to intimidate or coerce a civilian be produced by a person or business. The population; order must be issued upon application - and 2. to influence the policy of a without judicial discretion - in cases where government by force or coercion; the materials are claimed to be for a foreign or intelligence investigation. 3. to affect the conduct of a "Sneak and Peek" Search Warrants: In government by mass destruction, any kind of case, "sneak and peek" assassination or kidnapping. authorization may now be issued for The act also includes in its definition of searches for any kind of physical or "terrorism" the use of "a weapon or other electronic evidence. In "sneak and peek" dangerous device to cause substantial searches, notification of the search is damage to property", even when damage delayed. In order to obtain a warrant of this causes no risk of injury. The "domestic sort, which allows police to search a terrorism" category is substantially broader person's property, the government needs than previous definitions of terrorism, and only prove that an investigation may be could include some marginally jeopardized if immediate notice is given. confrontational, non-violent protest and The "Sneak and Peek" tactic is nothing new, activism. but its use may now become more common, Detention of Immigrants: Detained as it is subject to less limitation. immigrants certified by the Attorney Telephone and Internet Surveillance: The General as risks to national security are FBI may now wiretap and obtain a list of required to be charged with a criminal numbers called without the requirement of offense or immigration violation within probable cause. On the Internet, the FBI seven days. Those not deportable for may now capture address information, terrorism but with an immigration violation without any real guarantee that the actual could be detained indefinitely by the content of communications will remain Attorney General following a finding of confidential. "reasonable ground to believe" the Domestic Spying by CIA: The USA individual was involved in terrorism, or PATRIOT Act has placed the CIA in charge activities posing a threat to national security of leading intelligence gathering within the or the safety of the community. While a US. Law enforcement is permitted to share "case review" would occur every six sensitive information gathered in months, the state is never required to prove investigations, including wiretaps and their allegations in any rigorous manner, as Internet captures, with the CIA. No court is supposed to occur in criminal trials or order is required. The CIA may then share deportation hearings - nor is it bound to this information with other agencies, provide these trials or hearings themselves at including foreign governments. any stage. Financial Privacy: Banks are required to Guilt by Association: The Secretary of report "suspicious activity" to law State is permitted to designate groups that enforcement agencies and the CIA; this is have ever engaged in "violent" activities as not limited to terrorism. The CIA and other a terrorist organization. Non-citizens who federal agencies have access to individual are members of these targeted groups can credit reports in secret. Notification is not then be detained and deported by the given and judicial review is unavailable. government. Student Privacy: Law enforcement may Secret Surveillance: The USA PATRIOT now obtain a wide range of student Act amends the Foreign Intelligence information without demonstrating a Surveillance Act, which allowed the FBI to suspicion of wrongdoing. Student data perform secret searches and surveillance to collected for statistical research under the obtain "foreign intelligence information", so National Education Statistics Act (NESA) that the FBI is now allowed to perform these was previously strictly confidential; now, a actions to obtain evidence of a crime without court order to tap NESA data is available in demonstrating probable cause. Also, FBI cases where to government asserts it is agents can apply to any FISA court or relevant to an investigation. Sources: "What the USA PATRIOT Act Will Anarchist Groups on Do" and "Things You Should Know About the USA PATRIOT Act" fact sheets "Terrorist" List Greek and Italian anarchist groups were included in a December 5th list of thirty-nine So Much For "Attorney-Client organizations on the USA PATRIOT Act's Privilege"... "Terrorist Exclusion List". These groups were The attacks of September 11th have also designated as "terrorist" by US secretary of state served as a pretext for the federal government to Colin Powell, in consultation with attorney attack the "Attorney-client privilege" of federal general Ashcroft. The anarchist groups included prisoners suspected of ties to "terrorism". This on the list are "Black Star", "Anarchist Faction "privilege" is one of the most basic civil rights of for Overthrow" and "Revolutionary Proletarian "political" and other prisoners. What follows is Nucleus". The state intends to exclude from the the text of 28 CFR Parts 500 and 50]. It has US those seen as "supporters" of these groups, already been implemented, without observance and to deport those already here. Ominously, a of the legally mandated period of public review government press statement noted "This round of and comment. The original regulation is from Terrorist Exclusion List designations is by no 1997, but the amendment is recent, and can be means the last." found in the Federal Register. Source: Dec. 6lh Press Statement, Philip T National Security; Prevention of Acts of Reeker, Deputy Spokesman Washington, DC Violence and Terrorism; Final Rule "...In addition, in those cases where the Attorney General has certified that reasonable suspicion exists to believe that an inmate may use communications with attorneys or their agents to further or facilitate acts of violence or terrorism, this rule amends the existing regulations to provide that the Bureau is authorized to monitor mail or communications with attorneys in order to deter such acts, subject to specific procedural safeguards, to the extent permitted under the Constitution and laws of the United States. Finally, this rule provides that the head of each component of the Department of Justice that has custody of persons for whom special administrative measures are determined to be necessary may exercise the same authority to impose such measures as the Director of the Bureau of Prisons." Those wishing comment on this to News in Brief government officials should contact: Barry Home Dies on Hunger Strike Rules Unit, Office of the General Counsel / Animal liberation prisoner Barry Home Bureau of Prisons, HOLC Room 754 / 320 First died on hunger strike December 5th in a hospital Street, NW / Washington, DC 20534 (USA) in Worcester, England. He had been on hunger Sarah Qureshi / Office of the General Counsel, strike since the summer. Barry had been Bureau of Prisons sentenced in December 1997 to eighteen years Phone: (202) 307-2105. imprisonment, having been convicted of arson The Attorney General, and the director and attempted arson relating to a nationwide of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, may also be animal liberation firebombing campaign. In contacted - see the article or) Sundiata Acoli. 1998, he had survived a 68-day hunger strike in protest against vivisection. Poland - Anti-fascists Charged leftists and Kurdish militants; this is the first In Bialystok, Poland an anti-fascist event in Turkish anarchist history that a group of activist is facing serious charges after "anarchists" are being sent to SSC. They are said participating in fight, when nazis attacked an to be members of an illegal organization; the "antifa" crew. 18-year-old Slawomir "Lapa" reason for the arrests is simply an anarchist Lapinski is charged with assault with dangerous leaflet they distributed in a trade union item and grievous bodily harm. As he was on demonstration on December 1st. probation for another assault on nazi, he is facing Eduardo Garcia Free! a serious threat of serving few years in prison. Spanish anarchist Eduardo Garcia was You can send messages of support to him, which released under parole on October 22nd after a will be translated from English, via year in jail. Even though the media, the police [email protected] Funds are also needed. and the judges have tried by any means to charge In another recent case, this time in him with the mailing of letter bombs to Warsaw, three punks were sentenced to 3 - 5 journalists, and despite the several hearings he years of prison for the alleged assault and has had in court, the evidence against him - robbery of three nazi skinheads. A fourth remains nil. Eduardo will still need to go to court defendant was cleared of charges and remains in the future; the frame-up against him is not free. Contact the above email address for more completely finished. For more information, information. contact [email protected] Turkey - Six Anarchists Arrested Nikos Maziotis Released 6 anarchists who the Turkish After serving only 3Vi years of what government claims are members of Ubak was originally a 15-year sentence, Greek Anarchist Autonom have been arrested and will anarchist Nikos Maziotis has been released! His be judged in State Security Court - SSC (Devlet sentence had been shortened to 5 years earlier in Giivenlik Mahkemesi - DGM). SSCs are special 2001. courts which were established for revolutionary

Prisoner Notes Due to space and other considerations, we are currently unable to print everything we receive for We Never Sleep. We intend to build the newsletter as a legal resource, publishing legal information, queries and advice. We also prioritize prison news and updates, as well as items relating to anarchist organizing and to the prisoner network. If we do not print an item, we will note its arrival in the "also received" section and make copies available upon request. As we wish to get this newsletter to those who need it, we may not publish items likely to cause institutional mail rejections. We also prefer if disputes between network members are discussed directly between the relevant parties. Comment is always welcome on editorial decisions. Views printed in the Prisoner Notes section are those of the individual contributor and not necessarily those of the network as a whole (or of the outside support collective). Please clearly mark "For We Never Sleep" on everything intended for publication in the bulletin. - Outside Support Collective From All Khalid many of us who dare speak out or stand up in the only way we can (our words) are being crushed Abdullah: under the heels of repression and disregarded by Our Struggle is Global the masses who could help uplift us, as we try to Prisoners are Fighting Back encourage you to remain positive and strong. Revolutionary greetings - The prisoners in the FIES prisons in The repression against politically and Spain have shown a determination and defiance socially active prisoners has become an in the face of adversity unmatched by none and international struggle that knows no borders or equal to the comrades in the Turkish prisons who boundaries. Our fight is one that calls on the have resigned to sacrifice their lives by death powers that be to listen and for the general public hunger strikes in order to draw the world's (non-incarcerated persons) to take heed. attention to their plight and the plight of all Many prisoners are fighting back with prisoners who are being treated with inhumanity the only thing they have - their words and their and indifference. voices. These acts of struggle are to be commended and respected by the many. For We have many prisoners right here in out of segregation in this new place last week - the United States who are also suffering all kinds straight into three-day lock-down -just my luck! of psychological and emotional tortures in I've had a lot of petty "nickings" (internal Control Units, Special Housing Units, Isolation kangaroo courts), a lot of hassle with my mail Units and on death row. and have had my legal papers and property Like the comrades in the FIES and in withheld from me for several months. The lack the Turkish prisons, we prisoners must be of legal papers at a crucial time in my appeal has decisive. We must make a decision as to what we made things very difficult. Nonetheless I've plan to do and what we will do, because the been very busy politically, and have been trying conditions in which we suffer isn't going to get to get several new initiatives off the ground. better but worse, since the September 11th attacks One of these is a solidarity initiative in support on the World Trade Center (the symbol of of the Turkish prisoners on hunger strike, and the kapital) and the Pentagon (the symbol of struggle of the Spanish-F.I.E.S. prisoners. Amerikan militarism). If we are going to find Political prisoners across Europe have launched and salvation, if we are going to find any similar initiatives, and since the start of monthly comfort, then it must come from our role as action here we have been joined by over 30 Irish activists. It must come from our voices Republican prisoners, and by Belgian political collectively exposing the brutality and the prisoner Geert Wneymans. I hope that APLAN hardships in which we live, and set the course to prisoners in the U$ will also consider joining us, a better and just world by holding our respective while the action is very modest it has meant a lot political leaders accountable, as well as those not to the Turkish comrades, and it's also a good way incarcerated. Not by violence or destructive of building consciousness within prisons. measures - we see that these measures are not Thank you for the copy of "The profitable and are to be applied only in an effort Defiant", which I eventually received after a of self-defense. But, we must show them that we successful legal intervention (one of many this are humane and that their actions are not year). My campaign has just put out a new book humane, and the win the people's support to this called "In the hands of the Enemy", a project end. which also took up a lot of time. Time isn't promised to any of us, so we Apologies to anyone whose been must make use of the time we have now by being waiting on a letter from me. I have a lot of legal there for one another and supporting one another, work I need to get on with urgently, but I'll try to and helping each other. If you are able to do that, get on top of my mail backlog ASAP. even if it is a promise kept to another, then we Always in struggle - Mark can prevail no matter how hard the task is. In the trenches... - Ali Khalid Abdullah November 2001 Prisoner-activists Mark Barnsley and John Ali Khalid Abdullah #148130 / 3225 John Bowden (BMP Bristol) have issued the following Conley Drive / Lapeer, MI 48446 (USA) statement:

Solidarity with the Turkish Prisoners From Mark Barnsley: On 30 June 22 year old Zehra Kulaksic Dear Comrades, died following 221 days without solid food. She Revolutionary greetings! Sorry that I've was the fifth person to die on the hunger strike not been in touch for a while, but for the past being staged by TAYAD (the Association of three months I've been in segregation again, and Families and Friends of Political Prisoners) in it was not possible for me to write. 2001 has solidarity with Turkish political prisoners. Her been another difficult year overall -four different death brings to 53 the total of those who have prisons, four different seg units, five months either died on the death fast or were murdered by segregation, and a lot of shit in between. I got the state in its vicious onslaught against protesting prisoners on 19 December 2000. The prisoners are continuing their protest against the 3. The abolition of compulsory prison work. regime's attempts to destroy them by confining We are currently seeing the growing them to isolation cells in the new F-type prisons. exploitation of prisoners' labor by private Call for International Solidarity companies and by the state. If prisoners Many of you will be following the choose to work in return for remuneration, courageous life and death struggle currently they should have that choice - but taking place in the Turkish prisons. In the FIES compulsory work is nothing less than units of Spain (equivalent to our CSC units) slavery. prisoners have recently launched an initiative in These are the three demands that we support of the Turkish prison struggle and in propose. We ask that all militant prisoners, all support of their own 3 demands. This initiative, those who have not been crushed by state which is supported by prisoners in France, repression, all those not bought off by the arse- Greece and by Basque and Kurdish prisoners, is lickers' charter of the Incentives and Earned in the form of a hunger protest on the first Privileges Scheme, all those who have an instinct Saturday of each month. The three demands of for solidarity and the courage to stand up against the FIES prisoners are as follows: oppression, support this proposal. Our numbers 1. An end to the FIES units may be few but they have the potential to grow. 2. An end to "dispersion", whereby prisoners Spread the word. Support the protest. The fight- are moved away from their families back starts here. 3. The release of all terminally ill prisoners, - Mark Barnsley and John Bowden. and those who have spent more than 20 For more information, email: years in prison because of their political [email protected] beliefs and militant attitude. www.freemarkbarnsley.com In solidarity with our comrades in the Letters of solidarity to John and Mark: Turkish prisons and those fighting for justice John Bowden / HMP Bristol / 19 Cambridge throughout the world, we propose the launch of Road / Bristol / BS7 8PS / UK an initiative along the same lines as the Spanish Mark Barnsley WA2897/ HMP Whitemoor / prisoners; a food strike on the first Saturday of Longhill Road / March, Cambs / PE15 OPR / every month. Since the Whitemoor and UK. Parkhurst escapes of 1994 and 1995, there has [A new book, In the Hands of the Enemy. been a concerted attempt to crush the British containing writings by Mark and his supporters, prison struggle once and for all; a war of attrition is now available from: the state has all but won. By making this simple Justice for Mark Barnsley / PO Box 381 / act of solidarity we are taking the first step Huddersfield / HD1 3XX / UK] towards renewing the struggle and asserting our humanity and our defiance. From Chris Bellender: Like the FIES prisoners, we are [12/07] I just got to general population proposing three reasonable and achievable today here at Oregon State Penitentiary. Free and demands of our own: Rob are here, though I have yet to see them as I 1. A minimum of one hour's daily exercise in am on restrictions still. But it is good to know the open air. It is appalling that at a time that there are some good comrades here. when prisoners are once again being locked A few people sent me shout outs in the two and three to a cell, the statutory last newsletter, which, due to my stint in allowance of daily exercise has been segregation, I was unable to respond to. Thanks reduced to only half an hour. for everyone's encouragement and support, and 2. The right of all prisoners to wear their own cheers to you all. clothes. Twenty years after Bobby Sands I can't wait for the next WNS, nor can I and his comrades died on hunger strike, the wait to get the pen rolling again and write right of prisoners to wear their own clothes something worthy. is still not enshrined in the prison rules. From OSP, in revolution - Chris Because of this, governors regard the Chris Bellender #11934625 / OSP / 2605 State wearing of civilian clothes as a "privilege" Street / Salem, OR 97310 (USA) which can be withdrawn at any time. This is increasingly happening with prisoners placed on "basic." From Free (Jeff Luers): Now this is an ex-Navy person, who I think it is important for us to know was given 317 months of a robbery he didn't about the people involved as prisoners in commit - Some patriot. APLAN. Just like in any other campaign I've I tried to put it in terms that anybody worked on - direct action or otherwise. It is vital should be able to understand, and it went to know who you can and can't trust. something like this... I don't want to see APLAN get used or Anarchism is the belief that all systems abused. The whole reason I got in that fight out of government, by their very nature, are fucked. at TRCI was because a guy cam into my unit The concept of having somebody my claming to be a "Eugene anarchist". He tried to grandparents' age, in a mansion four thousand be my friend and use me as a reference. He is a miles away, telling my children how they can or rapist. I produced the paperwork that blew his can't live is preposterous. Every man and woman cover. We ended up fighting over it. should have the right fo live and die in the way I personally want nothing to do with a they see fit... without having a bunch of old rapist, rehabilitated or not. But that's my own swindlers and hypocrites tell blue-suited bullies bias / prejudice. how to rain on their parade. That is how that We should do word "freedom" is background checks on supposed to be. It people we want to be doesn't have to be part of APLAN. The bedlam in the streets. easiest way to do that Maybe I should would be for members say it "didn't" have to. to be sure of who they Freedom is a birthright, are passing APLAN but sometimes you have onto. I'm sure most new to fight or die just to members were turned take back and protect on by other members. what is yours already. Let's ask them to supply We all do our little part, references or be open and hopefully our about why they're in. grandkids will have a This may not better future... if we be the best resolution, make it happen. but it is a start. I'll even No human has go first. Many of you the right to rule me, my might know me or know family, friends... even of me. I am currently my enemies. But how serving 22 years - For do I explain that to the multiple counts of arson sheep known as and bomb charges. My "society"? How do you show the moronic acts were a part of the Earth Liberation Movement(s). masses that they don't have to put up with Bush, Thanks for all the support you have or any fat-cat politician? thrown me and others - Free I will probably die without getting those Jeffrey Luers #13797671 / OSP / 2605 State St. two questions answered. But I will be sure to /Salem, OR97310 (USA) leave a mark in many minds. I got less time for fighting with a cop than I got for selling drugs - Hmmm....!?! Like I said, sometimes you must From Jason Hayes: fight to get back what is rightfully yours, I must pick up the ball where my however you can fight. Write the media, brother left off on the misconceptions of anarchy organize demonstrations, [...] chain yourself to a (Mike Lane, WNS Sept / Oc.t. 01). tree, call your comrades with encouraging words, I know a guy here in the "Snake Pit" mail out 'zines... Everybody lace up your boots, who says he hates anarchy. When asked why, he take to the streets, and do your part. didn't even have any rhetoric to spout off at me. Revoltingly - J-Rok I was rather depressed by that. Jason Hayes #11507807 / SRCI / 777 Stanton Blvd. / Ontario, OR 97914 (USA) From John Two Names: of the education programs at Two Rivers, racial / Dear Sisters & Brothers, religious discrimination against Native American Osiyo (Hello) - I want to say thank you prisoners, and abusive, disrespectful guards. to all of you that have sent cards, letters, and For my participation in this action, I caring words to my mother at this time in her was served on 12th October with a three-count life. Indeed this rape was an act of vicious in indictment, originated by the grand jury of nature. Like most rapes, however, this one was Umatilla County. I have been charged with the not for sexual release, but one of asserting and following: riot and criminal mischief I - both proclaiming power over a female. It was their Class C felonies carrying up to five years apiece way of trying to intimidate her into silence; to - and possession of a weapon by an inmate - an make her feel like it was her fault. In essence it un-classed felony that carries up to twenty years was to "put that Indian bitch in her place," as in prison. My case number is CFHOI0242 - DA I've heard they told her. #386092 and my arraignment is scheduled for 23 Like the torching of her home, a few October, by way of video court. I did not come years ago, the pigs have not taken this to prison as a political prisoner, but it seems that investigation serious at all. This crime happened the Umatilla County DA is preparing an attempt in broad daylight, yet no one has been to create one in me. questioned to see if they may have saw something. Like the time her home went up in flames, the people that did this will not be looked for. "She's just an Indian." Many have expressed their concern for my mental / spiritual wellbeing. I am fine to answer: Yes, my thoughts of vengeance do play in my head, but it does not cloud my thinking. I would love nothing more than to meet the perpetrators of this violence. This is natural. I don't dwell on those 3 individuals demise though. It's the system that supports and encourages people to dominate and exploit others that I want to kill. I am fine, and like my I cannot speak for my comrades, as the mother, we will survive, we will fight, and we Oregon Department of Corrections has separated will overcome. us by putting the seven of them in Inmate Once again, Wado for all the kind Management Units at Salem and sending me words. I love each and every one of you. here to Ontario (this separation could be because Remember - they can't get us all! Keep fighting! of my politics). I would, however, like to request In struggle - John Two-Names the assistance of APLAN, the outside support Andy Riendeau (John Two Names) #193786 group and anyone else in the radical community C-3-6T / Staton Correctional Facility / PO Box who is interested and has the available time and 56 / Elmore, AL 36025-0056 (USA) resources, in creating a legal defense fund. I have no family on the street that I can reliably turn to From Thomas Tripp: for help of this magnitude, so I am turning to all Comrades - of you - my comrades in the struggle. [Outside As you may know, on 28th February collectives interested in helping with this, please 2001, seven comrades and I engaged in the take- contact APLAN outside support} I am currently over for two hours of a housing unit at Two ten months from release, and after three years in Rivers prison in Umatilla (Oregon). The prison, I can almost taste freedom. Some may motivations for the eight of us to participate in chide me for being stupid enough to engage in this action were varied. For some, it was pure such an action when I was so close to the gate - retaliation; for others, merely a release of prison and they may be right - but I personally do not angst. Contrary to what that state organ, The see it that way. Rather, I feel that I was bold Oregonian, has said, none of us are white enough, in the courage of my convictions, to supremacists. I have already enumerated my demonstrate physically my refusal to adhere to - reasons for participation in WNS (Vol. 2) #5/6. and my fight against - the dictates and very However, they can be summed up as: the cutting existence of the uniformed enforcers of this perverse social "order". I ask all of you to help do I want to know. I myself believe that me to continue that fight. everyone has the capability and capacity to do an I know nothing of creating a defense evil act. It's nature. But what gives someone the fund - or even if it is possible in my case - but I idea to carry out such a gross act? To take away greatly fear being left in the hands of a public the innocence of a precious child to me is the "defender" who is in no way interested in me, ultimate, wrong, sin, whatever you want to call my case, or in seeing me leave prison any time it. The same with forced rape on women. What soon. The charges I am faced with are not as gives anybody the heartless and ill will to force serious as, say, murder. However, these charges, anyone into anything against their will - along with a fascist prosecutor -judge combo everything anarchism is against, everything I'm (who will most likely stoop low enough to use against. the events of 11 September to their advantage) What should the network do to prevent stand poised to steal away a large chunk of my entry of those who act or have acted contrary to immediate future. Knowing nothing of the rules network believes and goals? My question would and strategies governing their bureaucratic chess be under our desired beliefs and ways in a "free" game, I am in no position to defend myself society, how would deal with these issues in a against such thievery. For an adequate defense I desired society would apply to how to deal with will need interested, professional help, and the this. These are just my own feelings on this capitalist-commodity system being what it is, to subject, maybe my thoughts are right and maybe obtain that help I will need the assistance of they're not. I once read that it takes a good APLAN and revolutionary comrades comrade to tell you your faults. Any constructive everywhere. [...] criticism or dispute of my opinions is welcomed. Please contact me if you can help me - I have a free and open mind. any support you can give will be greatly With this, I'll leave it here for now with appreciated. a small message for my comrades in Oregon to In defiant solidarity - Thomas Tripp let you all know that a comrade from Montana Thomas Tripp #12032560 / SRCI / 777 Stanton has been transferred to Oregon on a detainer. Blvd. / Ontario, OR 97914 (USA) His name is Weasel - Mike Lane. He's a good friend of mine. If any of you happen to run into From Jonathan him send him my greetings. With much respect and love for Humanity, that's all for now. Vandersloot: Jonathan Vandersloot #44917 / PO Box 916 / To APLAN and We Never Sleep on the Shelby, MT 59474 (USA) issue of rape, gender violence, sexual assault, and the position APLAN on this subject - Based From Jerome White-Bey: on my own opinions, it's not an easy question to answer. And how do you place yourself in the I received the APLAN We Never Sleep position to answer those questions not knowing newsletter and I wish to answer the three or understanding why a person would or could questions on behalf of the Missouri Prison Labor do something like this or participate in acts Union and our members [...] against humanity like this? As everyone knows I am not innocent of the crimes that they are so many different circumstances or these landed me in prison, which are robbery and names things. Innocent? Guilty? Statutory? At murder. Though I did not personally kill anyone, one end of the stick it says no, these types I was present when this crime was committed so shouldn't be a part of the network; but am I I am equally guilty according to the legal system, being discriminatory? On the other end I want to so in regard to the question: say yes, casting people out doesn't build unity. 1.) What is the position of APLAN to prisoners Support is support and picking and choosing is charged with rape, sexual assault and other oppression. It is pretty much impossible to give a such crimes? definitive answer to these questions. The only "We recognize the inherent dignity and definite answer, I, myself have is on child inalienable rights of all members of the human molesters, pedophiles, and any crime against family and the principle that the recognition and children, any type of forced rape. adherence of said rights is the basis of freedom I am not a "basher" of these so-called of all humans and requisite to peace in the people, but I do not involve myself with them, world." As a group this is very easy to say but as nor judge them. I don't know their story(s) nor an individual it is very hard to put into practice, because no one loves the rapist, those who The anarchist community and activist sexually assault, or commit other such sick- communities suppose to, among other things, minded crimes. However as an anarchist political offer people ideas to unclog mental constipation. prisoner my position is clear. We are all rapists. Many individuals prior to their imprisonment We have all committed sexual assault, etc. We never had a chance to asses themselves or the are all the guilty and the victim. We are living in society they were immersed in; they had no a capitalist society and as a result we are all sick exposure to ideas and concepts such as offered all over. We can reach the rapist, the murders, by anarchist / activist communities. Many take the robbers and sick-minded. For someone this time in prison to re-evaluate and perhaps reached me and now I realize the real crime I build themselves with new ideas and concepts. committed was when I failed to stand up against Many may have very well committed terrible the injustice. Our position is clear comrades. acts against their fellow human beings at one 2.) Does this apply equally to those who claim time. This is now; should they in their possible innocence or rehabilitation ? search for meaningful ideas for a way of life be Innocence or rehabilitation would be cut off, ostracized, or labeled, categorized by the nice! very people who claim the want of abolition of 3.) What should the network do to prevent entry all forms of oppression? of those who act or have acted contrary to I deal with hearts and minds, with network beliefs and goals? Do we need to human beings and this prison is my daily reality. send them a survey? What about requesting Tell me how the very nature of your face-sheets, references from other prisoners proposal is not bourgeois, reactionary and or anarchist groups, or other objectifying? documentation ? Joe Zabick #668361 / Rt. 3 Box 9800 / Dayton, We should send all prisoners and non- TX 77535 (USA) prisoners questionnaire sheets and we should not extend support to anyone or group whose actions are contrary to the network's beliefs and goals. I also believe we should try to teach more on the real anarchists in America. Comrade, I love APLAN and the work it is doing. APLAN is my second love, next to MPLU and we have been faced with the same problems. I understand there are no easy answers to these questions. We are at war against a sick capitalist society and we cannot turn our backs against those who are really victims of the injustice capitalist society. In Struggle / Solidarity - Jerome Jerome White-Bey #37479 / Jefferson City Correctional Center / PO Box 900 / Jefferson City, MO 65102 (USA)

From Joe Zabick: Also Received: Every day we evaluate people by their interaction with us. Should there be some Rick Romanoski wrote to thank those "special criteria" or privileged state of mind in who sent him reading materials, especially the dealing with prisoners, convicted criminals? legal resources. He is having trouble Should they be categorized according to their communicating with some people because of crime? regulations concerning prisoner-to-prisoner A person who commits a crime, or is correspondence. accused of doing so, is not defined by their crime Rick Romanoski #955280 - SHU / Wabash - their crime is not their master-status. Valley Correctional Facility / PO Box 1111 / Carlisle, IN 47838 (USA) New Draft Proposal for an Anarchist Black Cross Network

support. We must organize our communities Introduction to attack the prison system as a moral and social abomination, and we must fight to Former Black Panther, political prisoner and a free all political/class war prisoners. longtime anarchist revolutionary named Lorenzo Komboa Ervin wrote "A Draft Proposal for an Since Lorenzo Komboa Ervin wrote those words, he Anarchist Black Cross Network" in 1979. The ABC has stated in recent lectures support for uniting with movement was one of those organizations all prisoners, understanding the profound gulfs of instrumental in helping see Komboa free, and race and class as they relate to incarceration, and of Komboa spoke passionately for the development of a anarchists taking a stronger role in putting prison united movement around issues of incarceration and abolition, incarceration and criminalization on the prisoner support. In the 1990s, these ideas were a global agenda of resistance. catalyst in helping many ABC groups find focus. His The network proposal is the result of several ideas, while written years ago, embody principles that dialogues over the last six months. Among the define our movement: questions that arose was perhaps the most critical one, "in considering criminal injustice, rates of The stated purpose of the Anarchist Black incarceration, racial disparities, the spirit and nature Cross Network is to actively assist prisoners in which laws are applied and, of course, our in their fight to obtain their civil and human collective analysis as people concerned about rights, and to aid them in their struggle increasing repression, class warfare of haves against against the State/Class penal and judicial have nots, and for a freer, more just society... what is system. The prison system is the armed fist political? And aren't we waging a common struggle, of the State, and is a system for State despite the 'single issue' work?" slavery. It is not really for "criminals" or What is political about the injustice system, how laws other "social deviants," and it does not exist are applied, who goes to jail and how bias factors into for the "protection of society." that? What is political about the factors that play into It is for State social control and political "crime" and how sanction is applied? repression. Thus it must be opposed at every And are we, as revolutionaries, little more than turn and ultimately destroyed altogether. collaborators in genocide if we do not stand up? The abolition of prisons, the system of Laws, This understanding is not so much a critique of terms and the Capitalist State is the ultimate such as "political prisoner," but of analyzing the objective of every true Anarchist, yet there politics of prisons, social control, law, sexism, racism seems to be no clear agreement by the and power. For years, the ABC and anarchist Anarchist movement to put active effort to movements have grasped how each of these issues that anti-authoritarian desire. We must profoundly affects the lives of people, and have acted organize our resources to support all in the interests of freedom by building resistance. political/class war prisoners if we truly wish This must continue. to be their allies, and we must give From country to country and state to state, figures are something more than lip service. staggering, but the facts remain the same: Third Organizing against the enemy legal and World/indigenous/people of color and the working penal system is both offensive and defensive. class and poor are forced into existences in which It is carried on with individuals, groups and communities are gentrified; in which they are among the masses in the community. We targeted over race and class or worse if they are must inform the people on a large scale of "illegal" immigrants or refugees; health care, child the atrocities and inhumanity of the prisons, care, food and rents go out of reach in costs; and their the righteousness of our struggle, and the "choices" are nothing more than setups to lock them necessity of their full participation and away. Public policies target youth in systematic and institutional ways that hinder the realization of human rights. Racist and discriminatory institutions a network, clearly, is not to change a group's and organizations, such as the police, prisons, and current work, but to be a compliment to the border controls and police target people, particularly work already being done. Third World/people of color and immigrants, via To serve as a clear and easy-to-use public policies. Revolutionaries who speak out and communications tool for activists, fight against the conditions of society are imprisoned prisoners, organizations, families and or killed. And we are expected to stand by until they supporters around issues related to the come for us, if they haven't done it already. movement. If it is to be effective, the ABC What follows is a new proposal for an Anarchist Network must primarily serve as a Black Cross Network. It reconsiders and adopts many communications and working base for of Komboa's old ideas, as well as makes practical prisoners, community people, activists, suggestions for building an anarchist network of groups (i.e. autonomous ABC groups and independent groups united in fighting incarceration, anarchist, prisoner, liberation, freedom, repression and injustice worldwide. Many of the justice, anti-colonial/independence and/or European ABC comrades have already taken the issue-oriented community groups, etc.) and initiative to start the building process of this network, others who engage in activities consistent so the idea is not new. This effort is merely to put an with the basic spirit and vision of the ABC explanation to a tendency that is already developing movement. So often, groups and organizers and will continue to grow. change, prisoners are transferred, new campaigns start and old campaigns end. This Purpose would be an effort to facilitate communication around varied issues — from The Anarchist Black Cross Network should be a the latest transfers, to disbanded collectives decentralized and egalitarian network of to international support efforts and so on. organizations committed to the original ideals of the To support, discuss, learn from and Anarchist Black Cross movement -- of seeing prisons engage one another around the Defense and the poverty, racism and genocide that and Freedom activities we engage in. As accompanies them to be symptoms of a social order state repression increases, more and more whose last days are near. The proposed purposes of activists are facing fines, prison time, the ABC Network are: detention without charge, etc. for speaking • To unite the many autonomous prisoners, out. Refugees/immigrants are being activists and organizations working for criminalized over race and class. Prisoners prisoner support, defense and freedom in who were incarcerated for explicitly a decentralized, anti-authoritarian political acts are being denied parole again fashion. There has been some and again. Prisoners who went to prison for fractionalization of the struggle, for various "social crimes" are coming to consciousness reasons, over the years. Certain groups about the true nature of incarceration. And defended certain prisoners, while paying lip prisons will continue to be built in the name service to others. Certain activists stayed of law and order. These are issues 'regular' focused in a particular issue, but didn't have people are aware of and which activists are the resources to get involved elsewhere. The often fighting around in a regional, purpose of the ABC Network should not be sometimes isolated, way — not necessarily one of waging battles over differences, but by choice, but because all-around support of finding ways to unite us in a way that is needs to improve. As those familiar with still decentralized and anti-authoritarian. anarchist prisoner Ali Khalid Abdullah's Whether you do work around earth "Where Was the Support for Lorenzo liberation prisoners, "social prisoners," those Komboa Ervin and the Chattanooga 3?" will recognized internationally as political recall, one of our major issues is around prisoners, anti-colonial/independence unity. The ABC Network is aimed at getting prisoners, juvenile injustice, prisoners, community people, activists, refugee/immigrant criminalization, the roots groups (i.e. autonomous ABC groups and of prisons (i.e. poverty, capital, racism, et anarchist, prisoner, liberation, freedom, al.) should only be important to an ABC justice, anti-colonial/independence and/or Network as far as how the unity of many issue-oriented community groups, etc.) and groups that truly see 'an injury to one is an others learning from each other, injury to all' can help your work. The job of communicating and working together around the various campaigns, and finding 3. Organizing support for activists jailed for ways of educating each other with our their outside work and/or repression by experiences in a clearer, yet anarchist, way. authorities. • To connect with a movement that 4. Securing Anarchist and other revolutionary understands the "single issues" are part materials for prisoners to read, and fight for of a much larger movement for freedom, their right to receive this literature if prison and to work actively to see that struggle officials try to ban or prohibit such literature grow globally and in all communities. On for any reason. the surface, fighting for political/class war 5. Organizing emergency response calls, prisoners, supporting earth liberation letters, faxes and email to continually prisoners, challenging juvenile injustice, contact "corrections" and other authorities political repression, dealing with about the treatment of prisoners. criminalization of communities 6. Organizing legal defense funds to raise marginalized by the state (such as funds for legal fees and to assist prisoners refugees/immigrants, the homeless and the and outside activists and groups. working class/poor), the death penalty and 7. Organizing correspondence for people to race/gender disparities in incarceration seem write to prisoners and find out about prison like a mix of issues. In reality, most conditions and to show their solidarity and anarchists and others see these are part of a human concern, and observers to go into the campaign by the state to attack communities prisons, visit the prisoners, investigate their and people. The ABC Network should be complaints, question the officials and part of a movement that understands we all monitor the prison for violation of prisoners' wage a common struggle. rights. Clearly, a network could take on more goals, but Freedom work means directly challenging the these are merely a start. existence of prisons and this work also involves actively campaigning against prison conditions, and Goals propagandizing the actual cases of political/class war prisoners (i.e. prisoners jailed for specific political The ABC Network should serve to support reasons and those who have become politically aware collectives around the work they currently do rather of the reasons for their oppression while in prison, as than coordinate a set of tasks for collectives in which well as victims of frame-ups) to the largest possible to participate. Tasks that most community people, audience. activists, groups (i.e. autonomous ABC groups and Some protest activities many prisoner support, anti- anarchist, prisoner, liberation, freedom, justice, anti- prison and ABC groups engage in today: colonial/independence and/or issue-oriented 1. Linking up the struggles against community groups, etc.) and others engage in criminalization and imprisonment with already, and which affiliates of the ABC Network associated social ills: poverty, homelessness, should serve to help with via strength in numbers hunger, gentrification, racism, racial/cultural include: profiling, anti-refugee/immigrant actions, Defense and Freedom Work of the Network privatization, globalization, the drug war Defense work involves meeting the needs of the and many other issues. prisoners: whether those needs stem from the daily 2. Exposing the fallacy of the Capitalist system oppression of the prisons, police, courts or the intense of cops, laws and prisons being for the repression by State/Class authorities of prison protection "of society or as a social necessity. organizers. Prison support by ABCs meets these 3. Educating the community, prisoners and needs in many ways: others about the class/racist nature of the 1. Forming outside support groups on a local prisons and the legal system and how to and national basis in order to ensure fight against it; prisoners' defense and survival from enemy 4. Holding protest rallies, marches and street attack and from inhuman prison conditions. demonstrations in support of prisoners' 2. Organizing defense committees on behalf of rights and against the repressive actions of prisoners framed or railroaded through the State/Class authorities. Capitalist courts for their political and social 5. Writing press releases and holding news beliefs or prison organizing. conferences for the Third World/people of color, alternative and radical news media (and sometimes the Capitalist news media) appearing on television and radio news organize your group must still up to your local and/or talk shows to discuss prisons. conditions and membership. 6. Organizing and/or participating in coalitions The ABC Network should do its work in a broad, with poor people's movements, prison nonsectarian manner. You should not have to be support, Third World/people of color, explicitly named an ABC group to join. Conformity Women's rights, to certain naming, uniform moral/"security" codes, Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgender, Church, focus, etc., all correctly criticized in previous work, Left-wing, and other diverse groups, so as to cannot be part of a successful initiative. This is a win them over and to integrate the prison fundamental difference between the proposed struggle into the general movement for Network and previous initiatives — having the social change. involvement, input, comments, criticisms and efforts 7. Assisting prisoners in getting parole, of local organizers, prisoners and groups is a probation or a pardon by demanding their necessity and privilege for an ABC Network to take freedom when they become eligible for shape. It is not a necessity or privilege for a network parole or are seeking executive clemency. to form and communicate with activists... loose, 8. Working against the death penalty and unannounced networks are already happening. This is exposing it as an instrument of racial merely an effort to make it stronger and unite many genocide and class and political repression. around the ideas we're already struggling toward. 9. Demanding the freedom and amnesty of Prisoners should be involved in discussions and with political/class war prisoners, and the area collectives or those collectives supporting the abolition of prisons. Especially demand the particular prisoner. In many cases, collective-prisoner immediate release of prisoners who have relations already are building, and everyone should served unnecessarily lengthy sentences. seek to learn how those communications are 10. Demanding the immediate closing of all coordinated and developed among groups. How control/isolation/supermax units in prisons. prisoners feel about the development of the Network Any ABC Network that forms should encourage, but is critical to its success and they should be consulted not mandate, a diversity of tactics as suggested here about all of its facets. and more. The network's proposed communications Issues of racism and sexism are critical to deal with purpose could certainly also be utilized to help build in the movement as a whole, and all groups should unity around regional cases and tactics (i.e. take genuine measures to involve women and Third demonstrations at consulates, etc.). World/indigenous/people of color in campaigns and, as often as possible, local groups — not only by Structure and principles having their bodies around, but engaging minds and seriously taking those ideas/comments and criticisms The ABC Network should foremost intended to to heart. Too often, male- and white-dominated accomplish the goals above among the many groups have not made the efforts to broaden and autonomous groups that are doing the grassroots, involve other communities, or women's input has not day-to-day work around campaigns, prisoners, been taken with the consideration and seriousness criminalization and liberation. What unites us are the needed. Add to this the need to build stronger ties principles mentioned by Komboa — of struggling to with women prisoners. This must be improved, and, expose injustice, corruption and oppression; ideally, an ABC Network can dialogue around supporting prisoners who (consciously or strategies groups are utilizing to be more egalitarian unconsciously) are combatants against the state; in approach. providing advice and support to activists who put If we are to improve an ABC Network, hearing their bodies on the line in defense of freedom and comments and criticisms should be a regular part of revolution; and seeing our continued activism, discussions. About every six months, affiliated campaigns, etc. in the larger picture of prison groups with the ABC Network, activists, prisoners abolition and revolutionary change — as well as our and others should be asked to give their comments, own experiences in creating conditions for change. criticisms and suggestions for how to make the There should be no "party line" of the ABC Network. Network better, stronger and more helpful to each As anarchists, we believe in building a culture of others' needs. While the purpose of this is not to resistance rather than legislating it. How you or your develop "legislation," it is intended to get people group conducts your effort must solely up to you, regularly thinking about how we work together and although you may want to link up to some activists how the Network stays relevant to our unity. and resources, work through ideas, learn together and However, please know that the floor should be help in others' campaigns. But regardless, how you always open to raise comments/ideas/critiques, etc. We must welcome these ideas, because discussion, mainstream media. Nevertheless, our struggle can debate and joint resolutions are how we become more continue to grow and see more victories. effective. Many of these ideas restate Lorenzo Ervin's original draft proposal, although many ideas presented therein Conclusion are worth supporting, such as an ABC conference (to potentially unite the North American section of the In June 2001, Anarchist Black Cross groups from network, since a European conference happened in around Europe met in Ghent, Belgium. People from 2001) or a newspaper that reaches out to people on Italy, Poland, Czech Republic, France, Luxemburg, incarceration. Uniting the many prisoner-written UK, Holland, Germany and Belgium agreed that a zines into a "news service" of information could also network of autonomous groups would be formed to be helpful. In addition, working with various forces further the aims of the ABC. In their post-conference to create ABC-oriented radio/Internet programming statement, attendees concluded: could also come together. Uniting our organizing to "We believe in the abolition of the prison develop theory and strategy around crime, class and system, but not only that, but the destruction liberation is another possibility. of capitalism and all kinds of authority. We believe the struggle against the (injustice Comments / Criticisms / system, as it is against capitalism, is international. Therefore recent attempts by Interest European governments ( e.g. Europol in If you have comments, (any kind of) criticisms and/or Spain 2001) to criminalise the anarchist suggestions to improve this proposal or are interested movement must be opposed by all in dialoguing locally and possibly building a group or revolutionaries. We respect the variety of affiliating your own group, get in contact with the ways people resist government violence and initiating group (Antiprison, Austin ABC, Houston terrorism, and will support those organizing group) via email at abc- incarcerated by the state. We strive to [email protected] or via post at P.O. Box provide practical and material aid for class 667233, Houston, Texas 77266-7233, USA. struggle prisoners and to encourage support All comments, criticisms and/or suggestions received for them." by January 31, 2002 will be compiled (we won't use The groundwork is already laid for an international your verbatim statements unless you ask) and an ABC network to unite autonomous groups. In update to those interested. Get in touch. Europe, this network has already come into being. It New Draft Proposal issued on 5 November 2001. is a network that respects the autonomy of each group Anniversary of the 1862 death sentence for 303 to act within the different circumstances of their own Santee Sioux for taking part in a Minnesota uprising. local situations. It is a network urging support for US President Abraham Lincoln commutes many political prisoners. And it is one that understands that sentences, but 38 chose to hang at Mankato, singing support is only one part of our true struggle - for their death song on their scaffold. freedom, revolutionary change and anarchy. Anniversary of the 1928 banana workers' strike in Over the last 15 years, the Anarchist Black Cross and Colombia against the United Fruit Company, in anarchist prisoner support movements have inspired which 1,000 workers were killed. new awareness in repression, of the need to work Anniversary of the 1916 Everett, Washington, with those criminalized by society in an effort to Massacre, in which seven Industrial Workers of the build a more liberated world, and to develop tactics World (IWW) labor activists are murdered by and strategies addressing prisons, law and social Everett's police as part of a campaign to suppress problems. The ABC movement was building on these working class resistance. efforts long before these issues got attention from the Revolutionary love and solidarity! APLAN Publications Several prisoners also provide letters, commentary and perspectives. The following publications continue to be available through APLAN. • New Afrikan Criminology Journal (Introductory Issue) by Abdul Olugbala Shakur • The Defiant - Prisoners in the Global Resistance This pamphlet deals with how racist "bell- edited by Rob los Ricos and APLAN curve" theories have contaminated the media, white This long-awaited pamphlet contains writings Amerika and institutions throughout the land. It by anarchist prisoners Rob los Ricos, Harold spells out the damage this has done to New Afrikan Thompson, Mark Barnsley, Ali Khalid Abdullah communities, especially in the vastly and Shaka N'Zinga, as well as a reprint of Nikos disproportionate numbers of this community now Maziotis' "plea" to the Athens Criminal Court. The incarcerated. The pamphlet debunks myths and Defiant also features prisoner profiles and a traces solutions. lengthy contact / resource section. The Defiant and The People's Voice are • The People's Voice edited by Ali Khalid Abdullah available from APLAN for donations, on a sliding scale This pamphlet contains a wide variety of of $3 - $5 per pamphlet. The New Afrikan writings, many by prisoners. Some contents include Criminology Journal is available for $ 1. We seek information about the Political Prisoners of War distribution for these pamphlets - please get in touch if Coalition, the struggle against FEES maximum- you would like a bundle to sell in your area. security units in Spain, October 22nd anti-police Due to our current (poor) financial situation, brutality events, the case of Siddique Abdullah we are asking for prisoners who want these pamphlets to Hasan and a reprint of "Watts 1965 - The Decline send donations of stamps if they can. All our prices are and Fall of the Spectacle-Commodity Economy". "more if you can, less if you can't".

Some Useful Contacts: The Defenestrator / PO Box 30922 / Philadelphia, PA 19104 / USA (The Defenestrator is an occasional radical newspaper - free to prisoners on request) Houston ABC / PO Box 667614 / Houston, TX 77266 / USA Mutual Aid Legal Fund / PO Box 95616 / Seattle, WA / 98145-2616 / USA Northwest Anarchist Prisoners Support Network / PO Box 11331 / Eugene, OR 97440 / USA (Same address for North American Earth Liberation Prisoners Support Network) Political Prisoners of War Coalition / PO Box 554 / Lincoln, MA 01773 / USA South Chicago ABC 'Zine Bistro / PO Box 721 / Homewood, IL 60430 / USA

APLAN Statement The Anarchist Prisoners' Legal Aid anarchist vision a reality. We are no friend of the law, Network (APLAN) is a network of prisoners and their but support and facilitate litigation when useful. We allies working to end the prison system. As anarchists, recognize that many non-anarchists make valuable we strive for a better world, by ending class society contributions towards an antiauthoritarian, anti- and all other forms of domination. The global capitalist and anti-prison movement. Our resources are capitalist order has got to go! We recognize the scarce, but we stand by these people. Our newsletter is eradication of white open to their perspectives. supremacy, patriarchy, However, we also oppose the homophobia and all manipulation of grassroots other forms of efforts by authoritarians and oppression as crucial in reformists. this struggle. Internally, As opponents of we work on white supremacy, patriarchy antiauthoritarian and authority, we refuse to principles. APLAN work with people that respects the autonomy promote oppressive of all oppressed people J viewpoints or behavior. to self-determine forms Racists, misogynists and of struggle and liberation. homophobes are not welcome in our network. APLAN supports ongoing action by and for Those actively involved in anarchist projects anarchist prisoners, and against prisons. It is through within the prisons make decisions, and help guide and our projects and our groups that we make our shape the network.